Money and Meaning — What Faith Traditions Teach Us About Personal Finance
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this episode of the Art of Manliness podcast, Brett McKay interviews Tom Levinson, a unique financial advisor who studied religion at Harvard Divinity School and combines spiritual wisdom with practical money management. (02:04) The conversation explores how money reflects our deepest values and spiritual commitments, examining what Judaism, Christianity, and Islam teach about wealth and financial responsibility. Levinson shares insights from his diverse background, including his time leading discussion groups in a maximum security prison and his cross-country journey interviewing Americans about their faith. (13:45) The discussion demonstrates that conversations about money are always about more than just numbers - they touch on our hopes, fears, priorities, and relationship with the divine.
- Main theme: Money is never just about money; it reflects our values, priorities, and spiritual life, with ancient religious traditions offering timeless wisdom for navigating modern financial challenges
Speakers
Brett McKay
Brett McKay is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Art of Manliness, a men's lifestyle website that has been providing practical advice and timeless wisdom since 2008. He hosts The Art of Manliness podcast, which features conversations with world-class authors, thinkers, and leaders.
Tom Levinson
Tom Levinson is a financial advisor with a unique background in religious studies, having earned his Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School where he once considered becoming a rabbi. He co-hosts the podcast "Money Meet Meaning" and is the author of "All That's Holy: A Young Guy, An Old Car, and the Search for God in America," based on his cross-country journey interviewing Americans about spirituality.
Key Takeaways
Money Conversations Are Always About More Than Money
When financial advisors have conversations with clients about money, these discussions inevitably touch on people's hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, anxieties, and insecurities. (13:14) Levinson explains that his work involves playing multiple roles - educator, celebrant of life milestones, and pastoral counselor. This insight reveals that effective financial planning requires addressing the psychological and spiritual dimensions of money, not just the technical aspects. Anyone managing their finances should recognize that their financial decisions are expressions of their deeper values and life priorities.
Ancient Wisdom Provides Modern Financial Guidance
Religious scriptures contain extensive teachings about money because financial life raises fundamental ethical and spiritual questions that humans have grappled with for millennia. (16:38) Jesus talked about money more than any topic except the kingdom of God, and over 100 of the 613 commandments in the Torah relate to financial life. These ancient texts offer both clear-eyed practical advice and aspirational vision for how money can serve higher purposes. Modern people can benefit from studying these time-tested perspectives on wealth, generosity, and economic justice.
Budgeting as Spiritual Discipline
Creating and maintaining a budget functions as both an exercise in intention and attention, making it a form of mindfulness practice. (42:14) Levinson references Jesse Mecham from "You Need a Budget" to illustrate how tracking expenses and planning spending requires the same focused awareness that characterizes spiritual disciplines. This perspective transforms budgeting from a mundane chore into a meaningful practice that builds self-discipline and reveals your true priorities. Regular budgeting helps align your spending with your values.
The Danger of Financial Idolatry
All three major monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - warn against allowing money to rise to a godly status in our lives. (26:49) The Hebrew Bible's prohibition on idolatry extends to our relationship with wealth, while Jesus explicitly taught that you cannot serve both God and money (mammon). This doesn't mean money is inherently evil, but rather that excessive love of money can become a destructive force. The key is maintaining proper perspective and using appropriate "guardrails" to prevent wealth accumulation from becoming an end in itself.
Align Spending with Values
Making intentional choices about where to spend money based on your values can be a powerful spiritual practice that helps create the kind of world you want to live in. (43:07) Levinson shares his family's ongoing conversation about when to use Amazon versus supporting local businesses, recognizing that every purchase decision has social and spiritual implications. This approach transforms routine spending into opportunities for expressing your deepest commitments and contributing to your community's wellbeing.
Statistics & Facts
- Nearly half of Jesus' parables in the gospels are about money and financial life, making it his most discussed topic after the kingdom of God. (16:18)
- Over 100 of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah relate specifically to financial life and economic behavior. (16:38)
- Tom Levinson spent over 20 years in the business world after graduating from Harvard Divinity School, demonstrating the practical application of theological training in financial services. (12:01)
